The 28-year-old was the subject of a public pursuit from the Reds over the summer, but remained with Everton after David Moyes refused to up his offer in the closing days of the window.

Baines has not allowed the disappointment of missing out on a summer move to Old Trafford affect his performances, however, and has in fact stepped up to a different level this season.

His form has been so impressive that the previously immovable Ashley Cole could struggle to get back into Roy Hodgson's team - a fact which only makes United's failure to close a deal more galling.

But, with the January transfer window fast approaching, we have taken a look at whether David Moyes should resurrect his interest, and ask if Patrice Evra should be so readily cast aside as a result.

PASSING ACCURACY

Baines' remarkable composure in possession in any part of the pitch has become a hallmark of his game, and the Everton star's passing accuracy ratio of 89.2% is testament to his unerring ability to find a team-mate. Evra does not match up in these terms - hitting a colleague with 84.4% of his passes - a figure which does not aid United's attempts to retain the ball.

DUELS WON

While his quality on the ball is well known, the England defender doesn't shirk from doing the dirty stuff, either. Baines has won an excellent 67.7% of his duels in the Premier League so far this season, while Evra has come out on top on 56.5% of his. And this statistic takes on extra importance when you consider how regularly full-backs are isolated in one-on-one situations against talented wingers.

Teams hoping to cause an upset against the likes of United often attempt draw the opposition full-backs into aerial duels against strikers who are infinitely more physically imposing. But Baines is a modern full-back, fully able to repel bombardment from the air - as the fact that he has won 66.7% of his aerial duels proves. By contrast, Evra has won 56.5% of his, and is therefore more vulnerable to the tactics employed by the Stokes of the Premier League.

TACKLES WON

Tackling is a key part of any full-backs armoury, but Everton have few worries with Baines on the left-hand side. He has won a phenomenal 85.7% of his challenges in the English top-flight thus far this season, effectively making his flank a no-go area for opposition attackers. Evra has won 77.8% pf his tackles attempts which, while still impressive, conveys that he is less solid than his potential replacement.

CROSS SUCCESS

Baines' assist for Rooney at Wembley on Tuesday only served to add to his reputation as one of the finest crossers of the ball in world football. Surprisingly, though, the Englishman's cross success ratio of 21.2% actually sees him trailing Evra. The United left-back has succeeded with 29% of his balls into the box, giving those who believe Baines would provide an attacking upgrade plenty of food for thought.

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